Why your dog runs away and how to stop it

Maybe your dog bolts as soon as you open the front door — even if he was nowhere to be seen before you opened it. Or she won’t stop digging under the fence to escape your backyard.

However they get out, dogs that run away are no laughing matter. They could get hit by a car, attacked by a dangerous animal, or placed in a shelter where their people never find them. Why do dogs engage in this dangerous behaviour?

Below, you’ll find several reasons as well as tips on what you can do to stop it.

This mostly applies to un-neutered male dogs, but not always. When dogs feel the urge to mate, it’s not uncommon for them to go off in search of another dog that can satisfy their needs.

Tip: Because mating urges mostly affect un-neutered dogs, the best way to stop those urges and prevent running away is to have your dog neutered.

Have you recently moved? Well, guess what — your dog doesn’t really understand that concept. All he knows is that he’s in an unfamiliar place and needs to get back to the home that he knows.

Tip: Make your pup’s new home as familiar as possible by surrounding him with favorite belongings that smell like home. Additionally, you should always lead your dog around a new space so he has a chance to sniff everything and get acquainted with it.

If your dog is used to having a lot of freedom to run around and do what she wants, and suddenly that freedom is taken away, there’s a good chance that she’s going to try to roam just because it’s what she’s always done.

Tip: It’s going to take training to curb this behaviour. You need to teach your dog not to take off just because she can.

Just like people, dogs are social. They need attention and something interesting to do. If she’s lonely or bored because you’re not engaging with her enough, you may find that she starts running away.

Tip: Pay attention to your dog! It’s not always easy to find time if you have a busy schedule, but it can be done if you make it a priority. Set aside time for daily walks, and make sure to provide her with plenty of affection — after fulfilling her needs with exercise and discipline.